Connor Zilisch finished 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 1, 2026, a result that did not fully reflect his competitive performance. Racing the No. 23 Red Bull Chevrolet on the challenging 3.426-mile road course in Austin, Texas, the rookie demonstrated impressive pace and racecraft, running near the front late in Stage 3 before contact in Turn 1 ended his bid for a top finish. His solid performance highlighted his potential despite the disappointing final position.
From the start, Zilisch advanced from mid-pack and managed multiple restarts effectively, maintaining composure amid the usual road course turbulence. The final caution of Stage 3 bunched up the field, placing Zilisch close enough to challenge for the stage win and showcase the speed of his Chevrolet.
Driver Reflects on Frustration After Strong Performance
Despite the 14th-place finish, Connor Zilisch felt this race ranked among the best he’s driven so far in his NASCAR Cup career. His frustration stemmed from how the outcome contrasted with the performance his team and car delivered throughout the day.
I feel like I drove one of the best races I’ve ever driven, and we finished 14th. So yeah, it sucks. Our Red Bull Chevrolet was really fast all day. We were putting ourselves in position there at the end, on that last caution in Stage 3, to have a chance to win the race. Then I got wrecked again in Turn 1. I don’t know if I need to do something different, but it was just one of those days.
The No. 23 maintained strong performance in short bursts and extended green-flag runs. Zilisch navigated traffic with skill, avoiding major incidents that frequently disrupt road course restarts, signaling growing maturity behind the wheel.
Impact of Turn 1 Incidents on Zilisch’s Race
The turning point in Zilisch’s race came after he encountered two separate collisions entering Turn 1, one involving fellow driver Daniel Suárez. These incidents dramatically affected his track position and potential for a higher finish.
I know on one of them, Suarez was right behind me. It looked like he squared up and hit me. On the second one, I was already in the corner and just got T-boned. I don’t know what happened there.
The contact forced Zilisch to fall deep into the pack. Even though his car suffered only minor damage, the lost track position was critical on a circuit where clean air and rhythm are vital. Zilisch did his best to recover by maximizing braking zones and technical sections but could not regain the lead group ahead.
Gaining Experience in Third NASCAR Cup Race
This result marked Connor Zilisch’s third start in the NASCAR Cup Series for the season and underlined his ongoing development as a rookie driver. Finishing the race and running competitively at a demanding venue like COTA confirmed his growth and adaptation to top-level competition.
Such a bummer man. What a fast race car. It’ll turn around soon👊🏼
— Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Zilisch demonstrated confidence in wheel-to-wheel racing, showing composure during heavy braking and patience on restarts, qualities critical to future success on road courses and other circuits.
It was good. As a racecar driver, I’m not satisfied. But I showed that I can do it.
Leaving Austin, Zilisch took away valuable championship points and renewed belief in his capabilities. If the speed and composure he displayed at the Circuit of the Americas continue in upcoming events, stronger finishes and potential race wins could be on the horizon.
Zilisch is around, but the field continues on! pic.twitter.com/kP7Je34ez9
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 1, 2026
“I feel like I drove one of the best races I’ve ever driven and we finished 14th.”
Welcome to the Cup Series, @ConnorZilisch! pic.twitter.com/gAdVUAECs2
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) March 2, 2026
https://twitter.com/ConnorZilisch/status/2028260340115406916
